How to Identify Trees By Leaf Shape

Figure out if it’s a needle-like or scale-like leaf.

The first thing you need to determine is whether the tree has needle-like or scale-like leaves. If the leaves are flat and narrow, overlapping each other like fish scales, then they’re probably scale-like. On the other hand, if the leaves are long and thin, usually not flat at all (unless they’re also overlapping each other), then they’re probably needle-like.

If you’ve determined that they’re needle-like, skip down to step 8. Otherwise, move on to step 4!

Examine the shape of scale-like leaves.

When you examine the leaves on a tree, take note of whether they look like scales. Scale-like leaves are very small and closely overlap each other to give the appearance of reptile skin. The scale-like leaves will be found on the lower branches of many conifer trees. Some even have “branches” that are made up entirely of scales and serve no other purpose than to hold them in place. You’ll usually find scale-like leaves on the underside of branches rather than facing outwards into view. If your tree has scale-like leaves, you’ll often be able to study them closely without difficulty as they’re fairly large compared to what you might see under a microscope, but some species’ versions can be very small, so if you need help distinguishing between different types, bring along a magnifying glass when you go outside for studies

Notice how the needle-like leaves are arranged.

If you’re not sure whether your tree has needle-like leaves or scale-like leaves, you can often determine the type of tree based on the arrangement of the needles. Needles are arranged on stems in one of two ways: in bundles called fascicles (also spelled “fascicules”), or singly. These arrangements are called “needle arrangement.”

To determine needle arrangement, look for bundles of needles. If there is only one needle per bundle, then the needles are arranged singly. If there are more than one needle per bundle, then they are arranged in fascicles.

Look at the arrangement of needles on your tree.

• Notice the arrangement of needles on your tree. While paying attention to the shining green or crisp brown color of a particular pine will help you narrow down your search, it’s the needle arrangement that will tell you exactly which tree you’re looking at.
• Look at how the needles are arranged in their bundle. Most coniferous trees grow their needles in spiral bundles along their branches, but some trees have non-spiraling bundles, so this is an important thing to check out. The next question is: does your tree have needles in bundles? If so, move on to step 5; otherwise then follow either step 6 for pine trees or step 7 for fir trees
• Does your tree have more than 5 needles per bundle? If so, then move on to step 6; otherwise go straight to step 7

Figure out if it’s a compound leaf, which is really made up of a lot of small leaflets clustered together in groups.

Even when it’s paltry and limp, a compound leaf is still a plant that provides food for the ecosystem. If you see one, take some time to study it outside. Its shape may seem familiar, but only by looking carefully can you tell a leaf from its kin. For example, though its shape is similar to that of a maple leaf, the compound-leaved maple isn’t really a maple at all; it’s just making use of the species’ common name.

Determine if it’s a palmate or pinnate leaf.

There are just two basic leaf shapes: palmate and pinnate. Palmate leaves have leaflets that radiate from a single point, like fingers on a hand—this is called “palmate” because it resembles the palm of your hand. Pinnate leaves have leaflets arranged along a central stem, like feathers on a bird. Needle-like leaves are always arranged in groups of two, three or five—and never more than five!

Look for other identifying characteristics.

Determining the leaf shape of a tree is just the beginning. The next step is to examine other parts of the tree for identification purposes. Look at the color, texture, and pattern of the bark, twigs, and/or buds. Study any unusual characteristics such as leaves that are not normal for a typical deciduous or evergreen tree. Note whether there are flowers, fruits, or nuts on the branches. Examine insects and diseases that could possibly be affecting it positively or negatively.

Use this method to identify trees you don’t know well and make yourself more familiar with them.

This method can be used to identify much more than just trees. You can use this method to learn about other plants, animals, and even people!